MIAMI.- Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernández Rundle and Miami City Police Chief Manuel A. Morales announced the arrest of Justin Elías Portes, 27, as a result of a preventive anti-trafficking operation. of people held in the city of Miami within the framework of Formula One events that will be held in the county at the beginning of May.
“This investigation was part of the district attorney’s proactive anti-human trafficking efforts underway ahead of the upcoming Formula One events to be held in Miami-Dade County May 3-5,” he said. the prosecutor’s press release.
“Large sporting events tend to increase human trafficking activity in the general area of the event.
As part of the undercover operation, agents contacted the 31-year-old victim through an ad on MegaPersonals and a sexual transaction was arranged for $140.
When the victim arrived at the downtown Miami hotel, officers noted that he appeared to have physical and cognitive disabilities. Upon arresting the victim, she indicated that she had been transported to the hotel for the purposes of prostitution by defendant Portes, who also profited from her prostitution dates.
Following his arrest, it was learned that Portes was wearing an ankle monitor in connection with an ongoing criminal matter in Broward County.
Now, Portes faces a felony charge of human trafficking. Another charge of income derived from prostitution is a second-degree felony. Additionally, one count of transporting a person to the place of prostitution, a second-degree misdemeanor.
“Those traffickers who feel that selling someone’s body is no different than selling bottled water at a sporting event will be in for a shock when they arrive in Miami-Dade County,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.
For his part, Morales noted that his anti-human trafficking task force will not tolerate or accept such activities, now or at any special event held in our community. Traffickers should get that message, loud and clear.”
The victim is receiving the protection services created for these cases, the prosecutor indicated.
Fernández Rundle urged victims of human trafficking to call and report to 305-547-0669 and “they will be rescued and protected.”
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